SOME FLIGHTS FROM Irish airports are likely to be affected as air traffic controllers in several European countries go on strike today and tomorrow.

Air traffic controllers in Portugal will go on strike for two hours this morning and another two hours this afternoon. Workers in Italy will join the strike in the afternoon as part of the day of action, affecting flights in and out of the country.

Tomorrow will see a strike by air traffic controllers in Greece in the morning, while French workers will be on strike all day. Irish air traffic controllers will not be taking part in the strike.

All airlines have advised customers to check their websites before flying to any of these countries to see whether their flights have been delayed or cancelled.

The strike is in protest at EU plans for the deregulation of European airspace which would see a reduction in staffing.

The Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) which is an umbrella group representing some 14,000 air traffic controllers across Europe said the proposed change will put safety at risk.

Ryanair has cancelled more than 80 flights in total across Europe. The airline said passengers due to travel today will receive flight updates by email and text message.

“We sincerely apologise to all passengers whose travel plans will be disrupted by these unjustified ATC strikes,” said Ryanair spokesperson Robin Kiely.

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